Former Iron defender Christian Ribeiro has been forced to retire due to a knee injury.

The 27-year-old, who has been playing for Oxford United this season, has been told by specialists if he continues to play it may affect his ability to walk later in life.

Ribeiro started out as a youngster with Bristol City, earning his first professional contract in 2006.

He was highly-rated at the club, making his debut against Peterborough United in 2008, but injuries disrupted his progress at Ashton Gate.

After spending time on loan with Scunthorpe United in January 2012, the Welsh international was released Bristol City in May, and then later signed for the Iron on a two-year deal.

In his first season with the Iron, he would make 28 appearances as the first choice right-back. He scored his first goal for Scunthorpe, and in professional football on November 17 in a 2-2 draw against Notts County as he curled the ball into the bottom corner.